Southern Cross Soloists has announced the program for the 2022 Bangalow Music Festival, returning to the Byron Bay hinterland this August after two consecutive cancelled instalments.

The theme for the 19th edition of the festival is ‘music’s inexhaustible joie de vivre’, reflecting the vital role that music played in sustaining our communities over the past two years, and its capacity to inspire us and encourage us when challenges seem insurmountable.

From 11–14 August 2022, in the beautiful town of Bangalow in northern New South Wales, 28 artists will perform the music of 33 composers, including five world premieres, across 14 events. The festival will also feature students from the Northern Rivers Conservatorium, and raise funds for that institution’s student fee relief program, which supports students impacted by the recent flooding in the region.

Joining the Principal Musicians of the Southern Cross Soloists will be a number of local and international artists, including American baritone Alexander York and Australian soprano Alexandra Flood, and two of the Principal Musicians of the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, Concertmaster Emma McGrath and Principal Cello Jonathan Békés. Also on the bill are...